Renowned photographer Naoya Hatakeyama’s new photo book, “Tsunami Trees,” captures the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Hatakeyama’s work has shifted towards documenting the impact of the disaster on his hometown of Rikuzentakata, where his mother lost her life. The book features over 100 photos, showcasing the resilience of nature and the reconstruction efforts in the region. Hatakeyama’s unique framing and attention to detail, along with the high-quality printing of the book, highlight the emotional depth and hope intertwined with the images of the tsunami-affected trees. The book is a poignant culmination of Hatakeyama’s post-disaster work.
Photographer Naoya Hatakeyama’s new photo book “Tsunami Trees” (
Today, I would like to introduce the highlights and charms of “Tsunami Trees”.
Change in Focus after the Earthquake
Naoya Hatakeyama is known as one of Japan’s leading contemporary photographers and is familiar at exhibitions such as contemporary art. His unique style of capturing the relationship between urban and nature with an intellectual perspective, such as the moment of blasting a limestone quarry and the appearance of rivers in cities with lowered perspectives, has been highly praised, and his past works such as “BLAST!” and “Lime Works” have received high praise worldwide.
The turning point for Hatakeyama was the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011. The city of Rikuzentakata, Hatakeyama’s hometown, suffered devastating damage from the tsunami immediately after the earthquake, and his childhood home was washed away, resulting in the loss of his beloved mother. In the process of overcoming this loss, Hatakeyama strongly felt the need to document this disaster. From that point on, he actively began capturing the post-earthquake landscapes of Rikuzentakata.
In 2017, Hatakeyama came across a tree standing on the riverbank in Rikuzentakata. This tree was a peculiar one with the right half withered and only the left half flourishing with leaves. Upon investigation, it was found that the trunk at a height of about 2 meters facing the sea side was severely damaged by various objects carried by the tsunami. As a result of the damaged area no longer receiving nutrients above, only half of the tree withered.
Truly, the tree was perfectly recording the events of the earthquake.
Moved by this, Hatakeyama felt a desire to find out if there were similar trees in other towns affected by the tsunami. After dedicating his efforts to the Rikuzentakata area, his hometown, following the earthquake, Hatakeyama’s search for these unique trees became the catalyst for stepping outside the familiar territory.
For six years, Hatakeyama tirelessly visited the coastal areas of Fukushima, Miyagi, and Iwate, which were severely affected by the tsunami, and continued to photograph the impressive trees that preserved the memories of the earthquake. Finally, in February 2024, it all came together in a photo book.
“Tsunami Trees” includes over 100 photos carefully selected by Hatakeyama and the editor from his extensive stock of photographs.
Highlight 1: Capturing Trees’ Expressions Head-On
On every page, the main focus is the tree. Whether it’s a solitary tree standing on a cleared land, a tree surviving on the brink of falling, or a dead tree with only the trunk left, all the photos have the “tree” positioned in the center.
Hatakeyama’s artistic style of placing the main subject right in the center was evident. Rather than aiming for extravagant compositions, he simply positions what he wants to capture in the center and frames the mid-ground and background perfectly without excess or shortage. This may seem simple at first glance, but it’s actually quite challenging. This book truly reflects Hatakeyama’s exceptional “eye” as a photographer.
Highlight 2: Record of Rebuilding Hope
Alongside documenting the impact of the tsunami on the trees, Hatakeyama also captures the efforts of various regions trying to recover from the disaster within his photos.
Looking at the background behind the “trees”, you can see scenes of workers in action with shovels and workers wearing disaster prevention helmets, cleared rubble, and leveled vacant lots.
Furthermore, massive civil engineering structures steal one’s attention. The colossal seawalls, highways built after reconstruction, windmill towers for wind power generation, and more are also reflected, all in perfect framing. Hatakeyama, who has been capturing the harmony between nature and artificial structures for years, showcases his artistic style in these photos.
Highlight 3: The Beauty of the Sky Supported by Outstanding Printing Quality
In this photo book, by focusing on “trees” as the theme, the landscapes of the “sky” are also prominently reflected. You’ll notice a variety of colors and expressions in the sky, from clear blue skies to evening skies with slowly drifting clouds, and bright white skies enveloped in deep fog, making you realize the different shades and moods the sky can have depending on the season, time, and weather.
Additionally, I was amazed by the printing technology that perfectly reproduced these subtle nuances of the sky on paper. When I asked the editor, they mentioned that from paper selection to consultations with the printing company, meticulous color correction, and other steps of production, they put a lot of effort into bringing out the highest quality printing.
Especially since Hatakeyama doesn’t use a digital camera, the print is made by the artist himself. It must have been quite challenging to reproduce the colors and textures expressed in the printed landscape exactly on paper. Hatakeyama, who has a particular attachment to the reproduction of his own work through printing, has full confidence in the quality of “Tsunami Trees.”
“Tsunami Trees” has become a photo book that incorporates not just the scars of the earthquake but also hope for the recovery in the landscapes of the trees. Looking at the photographed trees, various emotions are sure to well up within you.
This work is the culmination of Hatakeyama’s activities after the earthquake. You can also try reading it on the Shogakukan website, so be sure to check it out. (
Naoya Hatakeyama’s “Tsunami Trees”
“Tsunami Trees”
Written and photographed by Naoya Hatakeyama
Price: 7,700 yen (including tax)
Release Date: February 28, 2024
Shogakukan Website: https://www.shogakukan.co.jp/books/09682449
Try Reading: https://shogakukan.tameshiyo.me/9784096824498
Text by Hisashi Saito